In 1996, reproduction armourer Jeffrey Hedgecock and historical clothier
Gwen Nowrick joined forces to create Historic Enterprises, Inc. Enthusiastic
reenactors, meticulous researchers and obsessive artisans, their company
reflects their passion for history and attention to detail.

Personally developing every item in their range, they delight in providing
well-documented, exacting historical replicas to historical sites, museums,
reenactors and educators around the world.

Sideless surcoat, M2O

The surcoat or overgown without sleeves first appeared in the 12th C; in Europe, it was a voluminous garment that covered the wearer from neck to toes, and only the sleeves of the gown beneath could be seen. In Iberia, it appeared as the ‘pellote’, whose top was so narrow it was little more than a broad strap running from neck to hip which held the skirt up.

Over time, the European garment shrank and by the beginning of the 15th C. it looked very much like the Iberian version, with a narrow bib over the chest and back which supported the skirt.

Although a staple of 12-14th C. wear, by the early years of the 15th C. it had evolved into more of a ceremonial garment depicted on brides, queens, princess-saints, and funeral brasses, rather than an item of common daily wear.

Our sideless surcoat is a basic shape seen from the first quarter of the 14th C. thru the first quarter of the 15th C. This shape is depicted on the funeral brasses of Aleyne de Creke (1340-50) and the wife of William Baginton (1407). The moderately scooped neck is wide on the shoulders, and the arm hole sweeps to a soft point at hip level. The front and back are narrow enough to offer glimpses of the waist and hip without being extreme. The bodice is fully lined to the hip, and the skirt is unlined. No machine stitching is visible on the outside of the garment, or in the lined area of the inside.

For the most flattering fit, choose the size closest to your hip measurement over the gown you'll be wearing with the surcoat.

Small: Fits 38" - 42" hip

Medium: Fits 43" - 48" hip

Large: Fits 49" - 54" hip

(Fabrics shown are in stock- main photo shows surcoat in deep berry wool flannel over a medium blue linen gown. Inset photo is the surcoat in wine/ivory pattern woven wool blend worn over a pink linen gown. Please contact us for Made to Order colours)

​Please order carefully, custom made and made to order garments are not returnable.